Fulham have emerged as surprise rivals to Arsenal for the signature of QPR wonderkid Raheem Sterling, reports the Daily Mirror. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was in pole position to get Sterling, 15, after ordering the club's academy director Liam Brady to sign him up.

But now the Cottagers have sounded out their west London neighbours about a possible summer transfer for the youngster.

Sterling, who turned 15 on December 8, is an England Under-16 international.

But Fulham still hope to get Sterling's signature for a modest down payment of £1.5million with a number of add-ons should he fulfil his potential.